Prayer changes things, but most of all, it changes people. As Paul is writing his letter to Timothy, he urges him to lead the people in prayer. Paul knows this is where the church’s power is and that if they want to see the Spirit do a work in their community, they need to be interceding for its leaders and people in power. Prayer changes people. It can even move those opposed to the Gospel’s work through the church.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Prayer should Include Four Things
Prayer should include four things; requests, praise, intercession, and thanksgiving. Supplications, or requests, are the needs we bring to God. Praise is the adoration and worship we give to God. Intercession means to stand in the gap for someone else. When you lift up the needs of others, you are interceeding. Finally, every prayer time should include a time of thanking God for who He is.
Pray for Your Leaders
That prayer should include interceding for other people like leaders and politicians. Paul wanted Timothy to pray for these people so they would come to know Jesus. We should pray for all the people in our church and community, especially our political leaders. We should pray that our leaders will be led by God’s wisdom and live peaceful and quiet lives marked by dignity.
Pray for Peace
We should also be praying for the salvation of our leaders. Corruption and scandal follow these people. They need to know the saving love of Jesus Christ and to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. It would be easy for us to ignore them, especially if we don’t agree with their views. Paul tells us to intercede, which means to stand in the gap for them. God will hear our prayers, and they may surrender their lives to him. Commit to praying for your leaders today.